Southern Bone & Joint Specialists

Orthopedic Surgery

Southern Bone & Joint Specialists is an Orthopedic Surgery practice in Dothan, AL with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in preoperative, operative, and postoperative treatments and diagnostics of musculoskeletal diseases and injuries. Orthopedic Surgeons at Southern Bone & Joint Specialists perform non-surgical and surgical treatments of musculoskeletal injuries and dysfunctions. Orthopedic Surgery is the branch of surgery that treats musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders both surgically and nonsurgically. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Orthopedic Surgery practices include sports injuries, back pain, ruptured disks and spinal stenosis, bone tumors, carpal tunnel, hand arthritis and hand injuries, club foot, bow legs and hip dysplasia, orthopaedic trauma, limb lengthening, Achilles tendon injuries, bunions and foot and ankle injuries, as well as osteoporosis and arthritis. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Orthopedic Surgery practices include knee arthroscopy and meniscectomy, shoulder arthroscopy and decompression, carpal tunnel release, knee arthroscopy and chondroplasty, removal of support implant, knee arthroscopy and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, knee replacement, repair of femoral neck fracture, repair of trochanteric fracture, debridement of skin/muscle/bone/fracture, knee arthroscopy repair of both meniscis, hip replacement, shoulder arthroscopy/distal clavicle excision, repair of rotator cuff tendon, repair fracture of radius (bone)/ulna, laminectomy, repair of ankle fracture (bimalleolar type), shoulder arthroscopy and debridement, lumbar spinal fusion, repair fracture of the distal part of radius, low back intervertebral disc surgery, incise finger tendon sheath, repair of ankle fracture (fibula), repair of femoral shaft fracture, and repair of trochanteric fracture.

An orthopaedic surgeon is trained in the preservation, investigation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine and associated structures by medical, surgical and physical means. An orthopaedic surgeon is involved with the care of patients whose musculoskeletal problems include congenital deformities, trauma, infections, tumors, metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system, deformities, injuries and degenerative diseases of the spine, hands, feet, knee, hip, shoulder and elbow in children and adults. An orthopaedic surgeon is also concerned with primary and secondary muscular problems and the effects of central or peripheral nervous system lesions of the musculoskeletal system.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry)

Southern Bone & Joint Specialists is a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry) practice in Dothan, AL with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in treating medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Physiatrists at Southern Bone & Joint Specialists perform diagnostic imaging, testing, assessment, and treatment of disorders and injuries related to chronic joint pain, spinal injury, athletic injury, congenital birth defect, traumatic injury, and age-related pain conditions. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry) is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses related to muscle, joint spine, nerve, bone, and neurological disorders. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry) practices include spinal cord injury, pulled and torn muscles, nerve disorders, fibromyalgia, athletic injury, chronic joint and muscle pain, arthritis, and other disorders affecting the body's muscles, joints, and nerves. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry) practices include CT, x-ray, and MRI imaging, nerve conduction testing, spinal injections, prolotherapy, nerve and muscle biopsy, acupuncture, fitting of prosthetics and orthotics, impairment assessment, patient and parent education, and ultrasound guided corrective procedures.

Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also referred to as rehabilitation medicine, is the medical specialty concerned with diagnosing, evaluating, and treating patients with physical disabilities. These disabilities may arise from conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system such as neck and back pain, sports injuries, or other painful conditions affecting the limbs, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Alternatively, the disabilities may result from neurological trauma or disease such as spinal cord injury, head injury or stroke. A physician certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation is often called a physiatrist. The primary goal of the physiatrist is to achieve maximal restoration of physical, psychological, social and vocational function through comprehensive rehabilitation. Pain management is often an important part of the role of the physiatrist. For diagnosis and evaluation, a physiatrist may include the techniques of electromyography to supplement the standard history, physical, x-ray and laboratory examinations. The physiatrist has expertise in the appropriate use of therapeutic exercise, prosthetics (artificial limbs), orthotics and mechanical and electrical devices.

Podiatry

Southern Bone & Joint Specialists is a Podiatry practice in Dothan, AL with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in treating disorders and injuries of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Podiatrists at Southern Bone & Joint Specialists perform diagnostic imaging of the foot, pain and mobility assessment, and treatment of acute foot injuries and disorders. Podiatry is a medical specialty that deals with disorders and dysfunction of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Podiatry practices include sprains, broken bones, complications arising from diabetes and poor circulation, abnormal growth, nerve pain, hammertoe, arthritis, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, neuroma, athlete's foot, skin disorders, athletic injuries, congenital birth defects, and infection. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Podiatry practices include x-ray, MRI, and CT diagnostic imaging, foot and ankle surgery, pain and mobility assessment, patient education, in-office pain relief of minor foot and ankle disorders, and referrals to physical therapists or other specialists as needed.

A podiatrist is a person qualified by a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree, licensed by the state, and practicing within the scope of that license. Podiatrists diagnose and treat foot diseases and deformities. They perform medical, surgical and other operative procedures, prescribe corrective devices and prescribe and administer drugs and physical therapy.

Neurology

Southern Bone & Joint Specialists is a Neurology practice in Dothan, AL with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in studying, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Neurologists at Southern Bone & Joint Specialists perform diagnostic tests and a wide variety of neurological and cognitive treatments for a range of neurological disorders. Neurology is the branch of biology that studies, assesses, and treats the anatomy, functions, and organic disorders of the nervous system. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Neurology practices include coordination problems, muscle weakness, sensation changes, confusion, dizziness, cluster headaches, migraines, seizure disorders like epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular disorders, encephalitis, meningitis, brain abscesses, neurodegenerative disorders like Lou Gehrig's disease and Alzheimer's, as well as spinal cord inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Neurology practices include lumbar puncture, tensilon test, EEG, CT scan, MRI scan, PET scan, angiography, and sleep studies for diagnosis, then the presciption of physiotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, pain management, medication and/or lifestyle changes.

A Neurologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or impaired function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, autonomic nervous system, and blood vessels that relate to these structures.

Family Sports Medicine

Southern Bone & Joint Specialists is a Family Sports Medicine practice in Dothan, AL with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in preventing and treating illness and injury in children and adults who live physically active lifestyles. Sports Medicine Family Doctors at Southern Bone & Joint Specialists perform pain and mobility assessment, treatment plan development, and mobility restoration treatment. Family Sports Medicine is a medical specialty focusing on treating illness and injury in children and adults who participate in physically active lifestyles, occupations, or athletics. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Family Sports Medicine practices include chronic joint and back pain, muscle sprain, nerve damage or dysfunction, hamstring injury, torn ACL, herniated spinal disc, knee injury, and physical injuries occurring as the result of athletics. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Family Sports Medicine practices include MRI, x-ray, and CT scan imaging, corticosteroid pain injections, prescribing medication, nerve pain block injections, mobility assessment, medical massage, acupuncture, physical therapy rehabilitation, and referral to other specialists as needed.

A family medicine physician that is trained to be responsible for continuous care in the field of sports medicine, not only for the enhancement of health and fitness, but also for the prevention of injury and illness. A sports medicine physician must have knowledge and experience in the promotion of wellness and the prevention of injury. Knowledge about special areas of medicine such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, physical rehabilitation, epidemiology, physical evaluation, injuries (treatment and prevention and referral practice) and the role of exercise in promoting a healthy lifestyle are essential to the practice of sports medicine. The sports medicine physician requires special education to provide the knowledge to improve the health care of the individual engaged in physical exercise (sports) whether as an individual or in team participation.

Physical Therapy

Southern Bone & Joint Specialists is a Physical Therapy practice in Dothan, AL with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in reducing patient pain and increasing mobility lost due to injury or illness. Physical Therapists at Southern Bone & Joint Specialists perform exercise therapy, endurance exercises, and pain and mobility assessments. Physical Therapy is a medical specialty focused on reducing or eliminating patient pain and increasing mobility without surgery or medication. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Physical Therapy practices include loss of mobility due to traumatic or post-operative injury, chronic conditions like arthritis or spinal injury, congenital birth defects, athletic injury, or disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Physical Therapy practices include mobility and pain assessment, medical massage, physical exercise therapy, endurance training, and acupuncture.

Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. PTs: 1.Diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities. 2.Restore, maintain, and promote not only optimal physical function but optimal wellness and fitness and optimal quality of life as it relates to movement and health. 3.Prevent the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions, or injuries. 4.Treat conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems. 5.Address the negative effects attributable to unique personal and environmental factors as they relate to human performance. 6.PTs provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a PT practices.

Emergency Medicine

Southern Bone & Joint Specialists is an Emergency Medicine practice in Dothan, AL with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in addressing urgent illnesses and injuries in patients of all ages. Emergency Medicine Doctors at Southern Bone & Joint Specialists perform in trauma centers, intensive care units, and emergency rooms. Emergency Medicine is the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions that require immediate attention. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Emergency Medicine practices include severe injuries, trauma, sepsis, burns, acute coronary syndrome, poisoning, heart attack, and stroke. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Emergency Medicine practices include CPR, ECG, projection radiography, CT scan, x-ray, blood testing, suturing, inserting chest tubs, setting bones, and admitting patients into hospitals.

An emergency physician focuses on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability both in the pre-hospital setting by directing emergency medical technicians and in the emergency department. The emergency physician provides immediate recognition, evaluation, care, stabilization and disposition of a generally diversified population of adult and pediatric patients in response to acute illness and injury.

Occupational Therapy

Southern Bone & Joint Specialists is an Occupational Therapy practice in Dothan, AL with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in holistically treating injured, ill, or disabled patients through therapeutic activities that help them develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Occupational Therapists at Southern Bone & Joint Specialists perform rehabilitation of patients with mental, emotional, and physical disabilities by planning and administering medically prescribed occupational therapy. Occupational Therapy is physiological treatment of patients recuperating from physical or mental illness that encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities required in daily life. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Occupational Therapy practices include work related upper extremity injuries, amputees and people with special prosthetics, stroke or heart attack victims, arthritis, multiple sclerosis or permanent disabilities patients, patients with head injuries and mental disabilities, severe burn and spinal cord trauma patients. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Occupational Therapy practices include individualized evaluation to determine the patient's goals; customized intervention to improve the patient's ability to perform daily activities, and outcome evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or intervention plan adjusted.

An occupational therapist is a person who has graduated from an entry-level occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or predecessor organizations, or approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), or an equivalent international occupational therapy education program; has successfully completed a period of supervised fieldwork experience required by the occupational therapy program; has passed a nationally recognized entry-level examination for occupational therapists, and fulfills state requirements for licensure, certification, or registration. An occupational therapist provides interventions based on evaluation and which emphasize the therapeutic use of everyday life activities (i.e., occupations) with individuals or groups for the purpose of facilitating participation in roles and situations and in home, school, workplace, community and other settings. Occupational therapy services are provided for the purpose of promoting health and wellness and are provided to those who have or are at risk for developing an illness, injury, disease, disorder, condition, impairment, disability, activity limitation, or participation restriction. Occupational therapists address the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory, and other aspects of occupational performance in a variety of contexts to support engagement in everyday life activities that affect health, well-being, and quality of life.